Robert Hyson

The meeting featured a presentation by Maggie DeMarco from the Cohansey Area Watershed Association regarding NJ ADAPT -- Flood Mapper, an interactive website for visualizing coastal flooding hazards. Old business focused on setting 2026 budget items, including ANJAC dues, workshop funds, and potential projects like developing a QR Code for the pollinator garden and an information pamphlet for Hopewell Park. New business included a discussion about changing the regular meeting date in 2026 from the first Wednesday to the second Wednesday of the month. The commission also discussed ensuring Planning Board Applications are emailed to members prior to meetings and debated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for generating meeting minutes.

The Township Committee meeting included the cancellation of the Redevelopment Authority Meeting for December 2025. Key discussions involved the success of the annual Tree Lighting event and considering holding it on a Thursday in future years. The Committee expressed intent to budget for the West Cumberland Senior Center to operate four days per week in 2026 and noted the Department of Public Works is reviewing its budget for purchasing an additional pump. The Treasurer's Bill List for November 2025 was approved pending Resolution 2025-125. Public comment included concerns regarding the Senior Center. Ordinance #2025-06, which amends Chapter 184 regarding Uniform Fire Code Enforcement Provisions, was approved, updating a reference to a Shared Services Agreement. Several resolutions were approved, including intent to bond, the Affordable Housing Spending Plan, and authorization related to the merger of the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. Discussions on Affordable Housing noted the need to reintroduce, readopt, and republish the plan following State revisions, and concerns regarding a proposed consent order. Further discussion covered the City of Bridgeton Fire Department conducting rental inspections, the 2026 Land Use Board fee schedule, a potential sewer connection project with the Borough of Shiloh, and plans to advertise the walking track project for bid in January 2026. The Solicitor reported that the tax appeal involving Dutchway Structures was resolved, and a lease matter discussed in November 2025 will be re-bid in 2027. An additional bill for 2026 Clean Communities Calendars was approved before adjournment.

The Township Committee agenda included the approval of Department Reports and the Treasurer's Bill List for November 2025, totaling $665,462.57. Key legislative items for second reading included Ordinance #2025-06 concerning amendments to the Uniform Fire Code Enforcement provisions. Resolutions on the docket covered the intent to bond, approval of the Affordable Housing Spending Plan, authorization regarding the merger of the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, cancellation of outdated checks, cancellation of appropriations, and authorization of fund transfers. Discussion items addressed updates on Comcast, Affordable Housing, revisions to the Rental Inspection Checklist and LUB Fee Schedule for 2026, potential sewer discussions with the Borough of Shiloh, and the Walking Track. The agenda also planned for an Executive Session resolution related to personnel, contracts, and potential litigation.

The key discussions focused on administrative and redevelopment plan matters. One resolution was approved, memorializing the decision to approve the Request for Interpretation and Waiver of Diane L. Elwell. The main discussion centered on Resolution #RA 2025-02, concerning an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Hopewell Township Business Park to accommodate a relocating business, DMC Supplies, Inc. The Board reviewed draft site plans and the proposed Ordinance #RA 2025-01, which amends the existing Redevelopment Plan (Ordinance 2022-06) specifically for the property located at Block 63, Lot 1.02. After input from the conflict resolution attorney, the Land Use Board determined that Resolution #RA 2025-02 was consistent with the Township Master Plan and approved it.

Key discussions included reviewing Land Use Board activity, with the commission deciding to submit comments regarding environmental suggestions for a minor subdivision application, specifically noting concerns about a wooded lot and a possible Indian archaeological site. Old Business covered updates on the December Newsletter focusing on holiday sustainability, maintenance of the Pollinator Garden, positive feedback on a Flood Mapper presentation given to CAWA members, and confirmation that the Flood Mapper indicates minimal flood danger for the township. The commission also prepared and approved a budget for 2026, discussed changing the meeting date from the first Wednesday to the second Wednesday of the month for 2026, and agreed upon three project ideas for 2026, including attending workshops, and improvements/restoration for the Barretts Run Trail and Garden Shelter. New Business involved proposing the slate of officers for 2026 and discussing maintenance for Barretts Run Park, including relocating bird houses and suggesting gravel application for wet trail areas. An invitation was extended to Tom Tedesco to discuss stormwater management in 2026.